the corsair 1500 simulates 7.1 pretty good via usb, but the 5.1 is pretty awesome, and the build quality is pretty good for the price, they've been good to me for the passed year and are super comfortable.

No you do not need a sound card. There is a driver that emulates the 7.1 surround sound. It is all done with the headset.

Not to sure about the build quality of the newer Planatronics headset, but between me and my brother we have owned 3 Planatronics headsets and they have all broken after about a year of use. I do understand you have already ordered them, and I hopefully this product lines holds up better than any of my previous headsets.

No you do not need a sound card. There is a driver that emulates the 7.1 surround sound. It is all done with the headset.

Not to sure about the build quality of the newer Planatronics headset, but between me and my brother we have owned 3 Planatronics headsets and they have all broken after about a year of use. I do understand you have already ordered them, and I hopefully this product lines holds up better than any of my previous headsets.

You should try Roccat Kave, Its 5.1 though, But it's not simulated. 5 real speakers, and Its the best i've had so far, and it's also better than other 7.1 headsets i've tried. perfect bass and positional audio. I've used it in games, music, movies and calls, and it never fails me.

as long as your sound card supports it it will be fine (most integrated soundcards support it)